Living a long and happy life in spite of having ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease

#applebees

Sometimes, the longer you stay in your house because you don’t feel well, the easier it becomes to never go out. I don’t think you can really understand that unless you’ve lived with a long term illness. I remember a life, long ago, when I was always on the go. Both before and after their were kids to take up my time, I was always busy, probably too busy. I can remember a time when I owned a computer, but rarely had the time to use it. My computer and IPhone are now what link me to the world outside my house.

When you have a serious illness, you may find yourself leaving your house less and less, the longer you are sick. I was just too tired to go out much at first. Then everything became so hard, and took so much longer than it used to, it hardly seemed worth the effort required to go anywhere. Add to that, pain, if it’s below 50 degrees. Having a comfortable chair at home with warm blankets in the winter, a nice breeze (or air conditioning) in the summertime, all add up to staying home. A lot. In the winter, I don’t go anywhere for weeks, sometimes (depending on the weather) months at a time. When warmer weather arrives, I get out more often. Sometimes you have to force yourself to go out into the world. Just do it. No matter how uncomfortable you may be, physically and mentally, don’t let yourself go all Grey Gardens. Just do it. I always feel better after getting out of the house for a bit, even if I don’t really go anywhere, or if my outing doesn’t go smoothly. I went out one day earlier this year, and practically knocked myself out (I had a little accidental help) hitting my head as I got into the car. That being said, even with the slight concussion (I’m guessing), I was glad I went out for a few hours.﻿

I remember being out one day, many years ago. We had eaten dinner at Applebee’s, and were leaving our table, when a man sitting at a nearby table looked at us and said, “Good for you , going out! It might be hard, but you keep going out!” I have no idea who he was, or why he said that, but he was right. No matter how hard it is, you have to get out and get a little vitamin D. Even if you don’t go any further than out the front door. Just do it. I guarantee (mostly) you’ll be glad you did.

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